The Spandex is everywhere, the platforms shoes are on, the scripts are rehearsed, and the cast behind Mamma Mia is excited to finally bring the performance to audiences.
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Encore Theatre Company's production of Mamma Mia was about to enter stage right in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic. The show was moved to March 2021.
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However, the theatre industry was faced with venue capacity limits and with no end in sight, the company made the choice to postpone again.
As they say, the show must go on, and finally the production is ready to be seen by Launceston audiences from October 22.
Denise Sam, who plays Donna, said she felt the show was very different now compared to when it was first brought together in 2020.
"There's a change in cast, but also I think [in] that amount of time you're more connected with the character and the stories," she said.
"Playing the role of Donna is lots of fun. She's a fairly serious woman who finds it difficult to let her guard down, but she certainly has her soft moments, particularly with her daughter [Sophie]."
Lisa Thomas, who plays Sophie, said what she loved most about Mamma Mia was the tiny moments the audience would connect with.
Director Danny Gibson said the team was at the stage of adding lights, sound, and finishing set touches.
"It has been a massive undertaking of some two years worth of commitment and we cannot wait to share our work with an audience," he said.
However, there are still some nerves the production could face another postponement if the lockdown in the South is extended.
"We hope and trust that we will have the opportunity to present a full season of our production of Mamma Mia," Gibson said.
The show is now at the same point it was when the production was first postponed. Executive producer and Encore Theatre co-founder Belinda King said she was nervous, but hopeful.
"We have the capacity to extend by a few days and there is a capacity to move a few performances if we need to ... hopefully that won't have to happen," she said.
King also announced the company had reinstated future seasons and is planning for Chicago in March 2022, Jersey Boys in October 2022, and Priscilla in March 2023.
To get tickets visit the Theatre North website.
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